Penrith Panthers is the only NRL team that feels like home, head coach Ivan Cleary passionately declared…
Penrith Panthers Is the Only NRL Team That Feels Like Home, Head Coach Ivan Cleary Passionately Declared
In a heartfelt revelation that has touched the hearts of fans across the rugby league community, Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has spoken candidly about his unbreakable bond with the club, declaring that “Penrith is the only team that truly feels like home.” Cleary, who has guided the Panthers to multiple premiership triumphs and built one of the most dominant dynasties in modern NRL history, made the emotional statement during a recent interview reflecting on his coaching journey and the legacy being built at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
The veteran coach, who first joined the Panthers in 2012 before returning in 2019 for his second stint, spoke with visible pride about the culture, resilience, and unity that define the club. “This place is different,” Cleary said. “It’s not just about football here — it’s about family, community, and representing where you come from. From the moment I first arrived, I felt that connection. Penrith isn’t just a team I coach — it’s my home.”
Cleary’s deep affection for the club is rooted not only in his professional success but also in his personal ties. His son, Nathan Cleary, is the Panthers’ superstar halfback and one of the most influential players in the game today. Their father-son partnership has become one of rugby league’s most inspiring stories — a symbol of shared passion, hard work, and mutual respect. Ivan has often credited his son and the broader playing group for reigniting his love for coaching, describing them as “a special group that gives everything for the jersey.”
Under Cleary’s leadership, the Panthers have transformed from a promising side into a powerhouse, winning multiple premierships and establishing a standard of excellence few teams have ever achieved. Yet, beyond the silverware, Cleary insists that the sense of belonging and identity within the club is what truly matters most. “The trophies are great, but it’s the people who make this place special,” he said. “From the fans in the west to the players who came through our pathways, there’s something real here — something that can’t be manufactured.”
He went on to praise the club’s unwavering support through both triumphs and challenges, noting that his return to Penrith in 2019 marked a turning point in his life. “When I came back, it felt like I was returning to where I was meant to be,” Cleary shared. “Every day since, I’ve been reminded that this club is built on loyalty and love — and that’s rare in professional sport.”
As the Panthers continue to set new benchmarks in the NRL, Cleary’s emotional declaration reinforces the idea that Penrith’s success is built not only on talent but on connection and heart. His words echo the sentiment of an entire community that sees the club as more than a team — it’s a family.
“Penrith will always be home,” Cleary concluded. “It’s where my journey as a coach found its true purpose — and where my heart will always belong.”
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